According to insiders, members of the ICC executive board are attempting to persuade the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to adopt a hybrid approach for next year’s Champions Trophy in exchange for additional financial incentives. The tournament schedule has yet to be announced, as India alerted the global governing body of its unwillingness to go to Pakistan for the main event. The ICC’s executive board will meet on Tuesday to find a solution to the thorny issue. “With the PCB not eager to budge on hosting the event via a hybrid model, they have decided to provide additional financial incentives to end the deadlock,” a source informed me.
“Chances are (that) by yesterday (Tuesday), an understanding will emerge after an online discussion by board delegates on under which format the Champions Trophy will eventually be held early next year,” said he.
According to the insider, the PCB has been requested to accept further financial incentives in exchange for allowing India to play its matches in the UAE, with the final taking place in Dubai if India qualifies.
“The PCB so far has been against all such moves, arguing (that) if India is not willing to play within Pakistan it is their fault as all the (other) six other nations that are involved have no issues (with) playing in Pakistan,” added the chairman.
“The PCB is also adamant that even if it accepts a hybrid model, the Pakistan and India group (stage) games and the final should be held in Lahore,” a second insider stated. “The Indian cricket board is not happy about this, and it is insisting (that) India must play all its matches in the United Arab Emirates, including the one against Pakistan, which is the semi-final and the grand final if they qualify for it,” he told reporters.
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has so far declined to comment on the delay in revealing the schedule, but he has stated that the Champions Trophy will be hosted as planned in Pakistan and that the hybrid format will not be favored.